New Chef at Trummer's; Taste of the Nation Face-Off

CLIFTON— There's a new chef at Trummer's on Main: Austin Fausett. The chef just recently worked as sous chef at The Inn at Little Washington, Tom Sietsema reports. Expect more of a Virginia "low country" influence for the menu, as well as changes to the bar program. [WaPo]

AWARDS SEASON— Taste of the Nation held its annual gala last night, and this time they added a cooking competition, with three DC chefs facing off against three local "Top Chef" veterans. Cashion's Eat Place's John Manolatos tied Range's Bryan Voltaggio for the victory, and Share Our Strength raised $185,000 in the process. [EaterWire]

DUPONT CIRCLE— Because nothing goes together like milk shakes and fine art, Shake Shack is pairing up with the Phillips Collection to launch three shake flavors that are themed around the museum's exhibit, "Angels, Demons, and Savages: Pollock, Ossorio, Dubuffet." Look for the flavors at Phillips After 5 on May 2, and later at the Dupont Circle location.

LIQUOR WIRE— St. George's Distillery, a new distillery in England, is launching its single malt whiskeys in the D.C. market this month. Check them out at two launch events, including one at Civil Cigar Lounge April 14 and at Jack Rose April 15. More about the company here. [EaterWire]

[Photo: Trummer's on Main]